Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford is entering one of the most pivotal seasons of his career. At 37, with a back issue lingering through training camp, the veteran quarterback is still expected to start Week 1 for the Rams.
ESPN projects a familiar script for the Rams in 2025. The outlet expects Matthew Stafford to play through his back issues, keep Los Angeles in playoff contention, and potentially make a deep postseason run. But it also highlights the reality that the team is nearing a crossroads.
With Stafford turning 38 after the season and holding no guaranteed money for 2026, ESPN sees the Rams positioned to pivot next offseason.
Will The Los Angeles Rams Pivot Away From Matthew Stafford Next Season?
The organization knows this era will not last forever, which makes every snap in 2025 feel significant for both Stafford and the franchise.
“The Rams had a tough time coming to an agreement with him on this year’s contract, even entertaining trade talks before he agreed to his restructured deal in February,” writes Dan Graziano of ESPN. So they know this arrangement isn’t forever. Their first-round trade with the Falcons in this year’s draft leaves them with two first-rounders in 2026, so they’re positioned to address the quarterback situation that way if they so choose.”
Last year, Stafford threw for 3,762 yards and 20 touchdowns, steady but not dominant numbers by his standards. The bigger concern is his health. The Rams have built an offense that can win with Stafford playing smart, efficient football, but if the back problem lingers, the team could be forced to lean on Jimmy Garoppolo or Stetson Bennett.
That is the nightmare scenario ESPN mentioned, one that could derail the season entirely and push the Rams to move aggressively for a quarterback in next year’s draft.
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The most likely outcome, however, is that Matthew Stafford answers the bell. If he stays healthy, the Rams are good enough to make another playoff run, maybe even returning to the Super Bowl.
A deep postseason run would give Stafford the perfect opportunity to decide his own future, either to retire on his terms or chase one more run in 2026. And if he walks away, the Rams would have two first-round picks in 2026, their own and the one acquired from Atlanta, to find their next franchise quarterback.
That extra pick from the Falcons gives the Los Angeles Rams rare flexibility in what could be a strong 2026 draft class. Texas star Arch Manning is expected to be the headline name, but South Carolina’s dynamic Lanoris Sellers and Clemson’s Cade Klubnik could also be in play.
Stafford could easily stay on the roster another year or two and mentor whoever they decide to succeed him.
With Sean McVay still at the helm, pairing one of those young talents with this roster could set the Rams up for another extended run. However 2025 shakes out, this season will define how the Rams bridge from the Stafford era to the next chapter.
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